The Cambodian and Lao military have pledged to enhance information exchange to combat transnational crime, focusing on terrorism, human trafficking, and drug trafficking. This commitment was reaffirmed during a bilateral meeting on July 30 between Vong Pisen, commander-in-chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF), and Khamlieng Outhakaysone, Lao Deputy Minister of National Defense and chief of the general staff of the Lao People’s Army, in Phnom Penh.

During the meeting, Pisen urged the Lao side to continue implementing the defense protocol signed between their respective ministries and emphasized the importance of transforming the Cambodia-Laos border area into a zone of peace, cooperation, and development. Both sides agreed on the need for continued collaboration in various areas, including disaster relief and the organization of joint sports and cultural events.

Outhakaysone highlighted the growing ties of friendship and cooperation between the two countries' militaries, noting significant achievements in border security and regular people-to-people movement. He also called for continued annual trilateral military meetings with Vietnam and support for the Joint Boundary Commission to resolve any remaining border issues.

Thong Mengdavid, a lecturer at the Royal University of Phnom Penh, emphasized that the cooperation between Laos and Cambodia is crucial for maintaining border security and fostering regional stability, aligning with the broader ASEAN security framework.

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